Author Archives: Jennifer Kohlhammer

• Strengthening health care: improving access for all 

  October 18, 2023 1:00 pm Leave a Comment

  Primary health care is the first point of contact Albertans have with the health care system, and includes health professionals such as family doctors, nurse practitioners and pharmacists.

  Last fall, health care leaders, Indigenous partners and experts from across Canada and around the world came together to form advisory panels as part of the Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System (MAPS) initiative. The panels identified immediate, medium- and long-term improvements to strengthen Alberta’s primary health care system.

  Alberta’s government will begin moving forward on the recommendations in the final report to improve access to primary health care for all Albertans. The recommendations will be implemented through a phased approach, with several moving forward immediately, followed by medium- and longer-term improvements that will enhance community-based primary health care across Alberta.

  “Today marks an important step in the work I am undertaking to enhance primary care as the foundation of our health care system. The Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System (MAPS) reports clearly identify the challenges our system is facing, and their release signals this government’s commitment to take immediate and ongoing action to support and stabilize primary health care in our province. I look forward to the ongoing work of implementing needed changes with our health care partners and providers.”Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

  Several immediate actions are being taken, all of which are consistent with recommendations from the panels. These actions are critical to ensuring Albertans have better access to health care when and where they need it. Alberta Health continues to work toward implementing recommendations over the medium and long term.

  “The MAPS recommendations represent a huge leap forward for our primary health system – strengthening and clarifying governance, community involvement, and recognizing the importance of integrated team-based care that allows Albertans to access primary care from the most appropriate team member at the right time, in the right place. This is how we can ensure equitable access to care across our province.”Dr. Janet Reynolds, co-chair, MAPS strategic advisory panel

  Strengthening primary health care

  Alberta’s government is acting immediately on recommendations to improve primary health care and increase Albertans’ access to the medical care they need, including:

  • Creating a primary health care division within Alberta Health.  
  • Allocating $57 million over three years to provide family doctors and nurse practitioners with support to help manage their increasing number of patients. Each provider has the potential to receive up to $10,000 annually.
  • Working with the Alberta Medical Association to create a task force to recommend a new payment model for family physicians that encourages comprehensive primary care – where a patient has a regular family doctor who they develop a long-term relationship with and who works with them to ensure all their health care needs are met.
  • Developing a memorandum of understanding with the Alberta Medical Association to collaborate on a transition to a new physician compensation model, modernize primary care governance and enable family doctors to spend more time with patients and less time on paperwork and immediately stabilize primary care.
  • Expanding online mental health services, allowing doctors to bill for virtual mental health checks and therapy, and compensating them for extra time spent with patients virtually.
  • Ensuring doctors get paid if patients can’t prove insurance coverage, reducing administrative burden. This is known as “good faith” claims.
  • Introducing a payment system that will support nurse practitioners to open their own clinics, take on patients and offer services based on their scope of practice, training and expertise. Nurse practitioners have completed graduate studies ensuring that they are properly trained to examine patients, provide diagnoses and prescribe medication.

  “We know that a strong primary health care system is foundational for better health care for Albertans, and that starts with access to a family physician and a team of dedicated providers. Primary care requires dedicated planning, resourcing and coordination. We are pleased to join the task force and believe continued collaboration and immediate action will bring us closer to our collective vision.”Dr. Noel DaCunha, president, Alberta College of Family Physicians

  “The Nurse Practitioner Association of Alberta is elated to see the newly released MAPs report, which provides direction for primary care reform and includes the full integration of nurse practitioners. The Government of Alberta is taking a significant and essential step in improving access to primary care for Albertans. This announcement is a win-win for Albertans and nurse practitioners, as it recognizes the valuable contributions of NPs delivering high-quality care for Albertans and their ability to decrease the stress on the health care system. We are excited about the future of primary care in Alberta.”Dr. Susan Prendergast, president, Nurse Practitioner Association of Alberta

  “These actions are welcome news for rural Alberta. Ensuring Albertans have access to health care professionals when and where they need it is essential. This work will help to solve some of the unique challenges for rural Albertans by encouraging health professions to practise in rural parts of the province.”Martin Long, parliamentary secretary for rural health

  Strengthening Indigenous health care

  Indigenous Peoples face many barriers to access appropriate health care. To support better health outcomes, the government will build more meaningful connections with Indigenous leaders and communities to identify improvements that reflect the unique nature of their communities. Immediate actions include:

  • Creating an Indigenous health division within Alberta Health.  
  • Creating a $20-million fund for Indigenous communities to design and deliver innovative primary health care services and projects.
  • Creating an Indigenous patient complaints investigator and Elders roster to investigate incidences of racism during the delivery of health care and provide culturally safe support to Indigenous patients throughout the patient complaint process.
  • Investing in a community-based Indigenous patient navigator program to support Indigenous peoples throughout their health care journey.

  “It is unacceptable that Indigenous Peoples continue to face so many barriers when accessing primary health care. It is crucial that all First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples have equitable access to community-based primary health care that is culturally safe, respects their unique needs and is free of racism. These immediate actions will help us achieve that goal.”    Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations

  “The panel’s recommendations provide a clear and stable pathway to create a safe, culturally appropriate primary health care system that includes Indigenous people as partners and leaders at every stage of the development, governance and delivery of health care services. The best solutions exist within our respective communities, tailored for our unique needs and priorities. The commitments made today are an important first step toward improving health equity for Indigenous Peoples, regardless of where they live in Alberta.”Naa Taoyi Piita Wo Taan, Dr. Tyler White, CEO, Siksika Health Services and co-chair, MAPS Indigenous Primary Health Care Advisory Panel

  Quick facts

  • Advisory panels were established through MAPS in fall 2022 to identify primary health care improvements in the short term and over the next 10 years.
  • Final reports from the panels were submitted in spring 2023.
  • The strategic advisory panel final report contains 11 recommendations to refocus the system around primary health care with an emphasis on:
    • access to team-based care
    • integration between primary health care and community care
    • a foundation of a coordinated and accountable primary health care system
  • The Indigenous advisory panel final report contains 22 recommendations under five themes:
    • improve health equity for Indigenous Peoples
    • address Indigenous racism in health care
    • build culturally safer primary health care and an Indigenous workforce
    • create system innovation and support community capacity
    • Indigenous ownership, stewardship, design and delivery of health care services
  • Budget 2023 allocated $125 million over three years to implement recommendations from MAPS.
  • The next step will be to further engage with health care partners, including Indigenous communities, to implement these immediate priorities and the broader MAPS recommendations.

  Related information

  • Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System
  • Strategic Advisory Panel final report
  • Indigenous Panel final report

  Multimedia

  • Watch the news conference
  • Listen to the news conference

  [source: Alberta.ca]

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• 2023 Turkey Trot Round-up

  October 11, 2023 3:26 pm Leave a Comment

  Many thanks to everyone who was able to join for our 2023 Turkey Trot, and congratulations to our winners!

  

  2023 Turkey Trot Winners:

  9 Years:

  Female:

  1. Yellow Old Woman, Urijah
  2. Wells, Celeste

  Male:

  1. White Quills, Kessel
  2. Melting Tallow, Jaxon
  3. Calf Robe, Zace

  10-11 Years:

  Female:

  1. Calf Robe, Diamond
  2. Thomas, Jacolby
  3. Black Horse, Bailey

  Male:

  1. McHugh, Lawrenzo
  2. Wells, Jody
  3. Labelle, Easton

  12-13 Years:

  Female:

  1. Turning Robe, Shealynn
  2. Montour, Ilyanna

  Male:

  1. McHugh, Lanayson
  2. Sunwalk, Johannes
  3. Turning Robe, Gerald

  14-15 Years:

  [No Females]

  Male:

  1. Pawluski, Haston
  2. Louyine, Donte

  16-17 Years:

  Female:

  1. Sunwalk, Aiden

  [No Males] 

  18-39 Years:

  Female:

  1. Running Rabbit, Dolly
  2. Wells, Katherine

  Male:

  1. Grant, Zane
  2. Peace Maker, Isiah
  3. Sunwalk, Tyrine

  40-49 Years:

  Female:

  1. Wells, Carmen
  2. Sunwalk, Patti Lynn

  Male:

  1. Wells, David
  2. Montgomery, Craig
  3. Clark, Joseph

  50-59 Years:

  Female:

  1. Gauthier, Heather
  2. Yellow Old Woman, Georgia

  Male:

  1. Fairbrother, Roy
  2. Gauthier, Gerald

  60+ Years:

  Female:

  1. McHugh, Lydia
  2. Trinh Diep, Julie
  3. Diep, Sang

  Male:

  1. McHugh, Ira
  2. Melting Tallow, Aaron

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• Isadore Day Visits Siksika Nation

  October 3, 2023 11:10 am Leave a Comment

  Monday, October 2, 2023, Isadore Day visited Siksika Nation to share learnings and partnership opportunities with Siksika Health Services.

  Former Ontario Regional Chief, Isadore Day, is the Founder + CEO of Bimaadzwin, which means “life” or “good path” in Anishinaabe. Bimaadzwin exists to advance First Nations by supporting our people to create and develop happy, healthy communities through economic development that focuses on First Nation jurisdiction. Isadore Day, and Bimaadzwin believe that our health comes from the wealth of our lands, because we are the land.

  Isadore Day and his partner, Michelle travelled from Ontario, and met with Siksika Health Services representatives to discuss potential partnership opportunities for the health and wellbeing of Siksika Nation. Only the start of this conversation, followup meetings will be scheduled to further discuss and outline this collaboration. Thus far, Bimaadzwin and Siksika Health Services have collaborated on the Pathways diabetic foot ulcer prevention program, which is currently benefitting our Siksika Nation members living with type 2 diabetes.

  

  

  

  About Isadore Day

  Isadore Day, Wiindawtegowinini, is an Anishinaabe from Serpent River First Nation. He is of the Genozhe ndodem (Northern Pike Clan). He brings many years of political and policy expertise. A former Regional Chief of Ontario, Lake Huron Region Grand Chief and Vice Chair of the North Shore Tribal Council, he has served 15 years as an elected leader for First Nations and has handled various high-level policy files. He is hereditary to Chief Shingwauk, Wiindawtegowinini and Genebek, who signed the Robinson-Huron Treaty and the Manitoulin Treaty and were allies to the British Crown in the War of 1812.

  Chief Day has been involved in various boards and committees; at both regional and national levels over the past two decades while remaining a strong grassroots visionary. With a background in Social Sciences, Business, Public Administration and Governance – he is a firm believer that education that is culturally rooted and is bridged into mainstream disciplines is essential to success. His most noted accomplishment was repatriating First Nation children back to his First Nation from mainstream foster care systems. He has been an energy policy leader, community developer and a tireless advocate for First Nation treaty rights.

  Isadore Day’s main focus is on Nationhood rights and Sovereignty; and specifically, the improvement in First Nation health, social, economy conditions of current and future generations. Isadore is emphatic that the Indian Act is colonial oppression and at the root of what must change in all First Nations – he vows to maintain and refine his life’s mission to be focused on reconstituting Indigenous Nations on Turtle Island.

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• Siksika Health Harm Reduction Survey

  August 2, 2023 4:55 pm Leave a Comment

  Siksika Nation Community Feedback: Healthbox & Harm Reduction

  On a scale of 1-10, with 1 meaning "not at all comfortable" and 10 meaning "very comfortable", how comfortable are you with the harm reduction approach, and supporting a harm reduction approach on Siksika Nation?(Required)

  A harm reduction approach focuses on positive change and on supporting people without judgment or discrimination. Harm reduction focuses on reducing the effects of harm without necessarily eliminating the behaviour itself. For example, harm reduction doesn't judge people who use substances, but rather supports them to be healthy about their substance use.

  Please enter a number from 1 to 10.

  Are there people in your life that you believe would benefit from a harm reduction approach?(Required)

  YesNoUnsure

  Have you taken a harm reduction approach with someone before? If so, how?

  Siksika Healthbox: in your opinion, where on Siksika Nation would be the best location for the Siksika Healthbox? The Healthbox can be located indoors or outdoors, and should be accessible to as many people who need it as possible.(Required)

  The Siksika Healthbox is a 'smart', interactive vending machine that dispenses harm reduction supplies like HIV test kits, condoms, snacks, etc.

  Near the Siksika Tribal Admin BuildingDeerfoot SportsplexSiksika Health & Wellness CentreCluny TownsiteSkate Park Across from Tribal Admin BuildingOther (please let us know below)

  If you have another location recommendation for the Siksika Healthbox, please type that here:

  Siksika Healthbox: what harm reduction supplies do you think would be best to include in the Siksika Healthbox?(Required)

  Please check all that apply from the list below:

  HIV Test Kits

  Male Condoms

  Female Condoms

  Lube

  Snacks (i.e. granola bars)

  Alcohol Wipes

  Vanishing Point Needles

  Sharps Disposal Containers

  Feminine Hygiene Products (tampons, pads)

  Syringes

  Hand Sanitizer

  Face Masks

  Naloxone Kits

  Drug Supply Test Strips (i.e. fentanyl)

  Winter Warmth Supplies (i.e. gloves, toques)

  Toothbrushes/Toothpaste

  Soap

  Other (please specify below)

  If you have other recommendations for supplies that the Siksika Healthbox could dispense, please type that here:

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• Deerfoot Athletic Club Use & Membership Form

  July 4, 2023 5:04 pm Leave a Comment

  Deerfoot Athletic Club Use & Membership

  Please complete this form for use of the Deerfoot Athletic Club. Use of the Deerfoot Athletic Club is available free of charge for a limited time; further information regarding Deerfoot Athletic Club memberships will be shared once available.

  Name(Required)

  Please enter first and last name

  Age(Required)

  Email Address(Required)

  Liability Waiver(Required)

  By clicking here, I acknowledge that there are risks associated with participation in any physical training, exercise, sports, adventure, or activity program. I have informed myself and understand the risks associated with my participation in my membership and use of the Deerfoot Sportsplex & Facilities, including the Deerfoot Athletic Club, and freely accept these risks. I understand that I am free to withdraw from or reduce my participation at any time. I acknowledge that the facility staff may limit my access to the membership or facilities in the event of any misuse of the facilities or misconduct on my part. I am not aware of any medical condition that would affect my ability to participate in the use of the Deerfoot Sportsplex membership or facilities. If I have any concerns about my medical condition, I will consult with my doctor before participating in the membership and/or use of equipment.

  Release & Waiver(Required)

  By clicking here, I hereby waive, release, and discharge Siksika Health Services, the Deerfoot Sportsplex & Facilities, the Deerfoot Athletic Club and anyone acting for or on their behalf from any and all claims of liability for personal injury, illness, loss of life or property damage of any kind or nature, arising out of or sustained in the course of my participation. This release and waiver applies to all claims, foreseen or unforeseen, including negligence and breach of statutory or other duty of care.

  Consent(Required)

  By typing my name here, I declare that I am legally able to provide consent for myself (i.e. that I am over the age of 18) or that I am legally able to provide consent for the program participant/attendee. By typing my name here, I agree that the above information is true, and agree to the aforementioned commitments.

  Today's Date(Required)

  MM slash DD slash YYYY

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• Siksika Health Services and Partners Expand Pilot Program to Enhance Foot Health and Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers Among Siksika Nation Members

  June 6, 2023 11:00 pm Leave a Comment

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

  SIKSIKA NATION, Alberta, June 6, 2023 – Siksika Health Services (SHS), in collaboration with Orpyx^® Medical Technologies and GMAK Consulting, is excited to announce the launch of a second pilot program aimed at improving foot health and preventing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) among Siksika Nation members living with type 2 diabetes. 

  
  Zivot Limb Preservation Centre (ZLPC) has joined this initiative for this second pilot program and will provide clinical services. Their expertise and collaboration with SHS will provide invaluable lower-limb educational opportunities for SHS dedicated staff.

  With the success of the initial pilot program, which involved 35 Siksika members, the partnership is eager to expand its efforts and conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of integrating Orpyx SI^® Flex Sensory Insoles and remote patient monitoring (RPM) at scale within the community.

  In general, ~25% of people with diabetes will develop a DFU in their lifetime, with 49% DFU recurrence in the first year. During the initial 24-week pilot, only one participant with a long history of recurrent DFUs developed a new wound. The Orpyx SI program allowed for early and timely escalation to the ZLPC for assessment and treatment, effectively mitigating more severe complications. The low DFU occurrence rate during the initial pilot is a positive step in implementing a broader wound and amputation prevention program.

  Acknowledging the complexities of managing diabetes, SHS remains committed to equipping Nation members with valuable resources to learn and implement best practices.

  
  “We’re excited by the opportunity, and also the possibility for this to have a meaningful and important impact on our people’s health. It’s important that we have these types of advanced services, that we have partnerships that are like-minded, that have the same vision, and the same purpose as we move forward together.”

  Dr. Tyler White, CEO, Siksika Health Services

  An integral component of the pilot program has been the organization of in-person community gatherings on Siksika Nation, which serve as a platform for providing culturally appropriate support to participants. One participant shared the significance of these gatherings, saying, “It’s a very good program, you learn a lot, and can ask questions about what you’re stuck on, maintaining your health.  This program is helping a lot, for me and others I’ve talked to.” With the combined efforts of SHS Home Care, Orpyx, GMAK and the ZLPC, participants benefit from on-the-ground support, advanced data monitoring, and access to expertise in diabetic foot management.

  The pilot program is made possible through the generous support of PATHWAYS Indigenous Health Collaborations, a partnership between Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. and Bimaadzwin, who work together to bring about positive change and advancements in Indigenous healthcare.

  “I am immensely proud to announce the expansion of our partnership with Siksika Health Services, a collaboration that has already shown promising results in providing supportive remote care and improving foot health within Siksika Nation. Our initial pilot has showcased the tremendous potential for improving the lives of individuals facing the unique challenges of living with diabetes. By joining forces with SHS, we have worked together to gain invaluable insights, enabling us to tailor our solutions even more effectively to the needs of Siksika members. This partnership exemplifies the power of collaborative, human-centered innovation, and we are excited to see where we can take this with the next phase of the program.”

  Dr. Breanne Everett, CEO and Founder of Orpyx

  Expanding the pilot program will give more community members access to state-of-the-art technology to significantly enhance their well-being. Together, we are dedicated to supporting more communities and First Nations in addressing their healthcare needs and improving access to quality care.

  – 30 –

  For more information:

  Ryan Running Rabbit

  Communications, Siksika Health Services

  403-361-0584

  RyanRR@SiksikaHealth.com

  Karen Smith

  Marketing, Orpyx Medical Technologies

  210-823-9604

  Karen.smith@orpyx.com

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• Siksika Health Services Staff Contact Information Form

  May 23, 2023 5:26 pm Leave a Comment

  Siksika Health Services Staff Contact Information

  Name (first and last names, please)(Required)

  Job Title(Required)

  Work Email Address(Required)

  Work Phone Number (Office)(Required)

  Work Phone Number (Mobile)

  Work Fax Number

  Are there any online forms/resources that you regularly use for internal Siksika Health staff access? (i.e. help desk, comms request form, etc.) If so, please include the link below.

  I am requesting:(Required)

  Business Cards

  ID Card

  For staff ID cards: please upload a photo of yourself. Your photo should be similar to a passport photo, but with more smile if you like: taken straight on, including from shoulders up; taken in front of a plain white or off-white background; and refrain from wearing hats or sunglasses.

  Max. file size: 2 GB.

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• Today We Honour National MMIWG2S Awareness Day

  May 5, 2023 5:03 pm Leave a Comment

  National MMIWG2S Awareness Day, also known as Red Dress Day, which occurs annually on May 5th, honours the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two spirit, and gender diverse people in Canada by encouraging learning and building awareness to end violence against Indigenous women, girls, two spirit, and gender diverse people.

  Call to Action 41 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report called on the federal government of Canada to begin an inquiry into the numerous cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

  The National Inquiry released its Final Report in June 2019 and addressed finding important ways to end the genocide and to transform systemic and society values that have worked to maintain colonial violence (Final Report, volume 1B, p. 168).

  

  Our community of Siksika has much work to do in addressing the violence committed upon our people and to develop a plan that will include the awareness of our society values.  Strengthening our community in healing from our past, changing our ways today and moving forward to a healthy atmosphere are goals we all must take on.  Let us take a stand collectively to make a change in our community for the sake of our people’s safety and wellness.  Our youth and the unborn deserve a chance to live in a healthy world to practice our traditional way of life and all that it offers.  

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• Siksika Health Facilities Maintenance Work Order Request Form

  April 24, 2023 12:30 pm Leave a Comment

  Facilities Maintenance Work Order Request Form

  Name & Email Contact(Required)

  Which Siksika Health facility are you requesting work for?(Required)

  Please check only one of the following. Submit a separate form for each work order request.

  Siksika Health & Wellness Centre

  Head Start Building

  Crisis Building

  Work Request:(Required)

  Please check only one of the following. Submit a separate form for each work request.

  Plumbing (sinks, toilets, etc.)

  Office Setup (move furniture, hang pictures, etc.)

  Landscaping (grass cutting, etc.)

  Snow/Ice Removal

  Vehicle Maintenance

  Equipment/Product Pickup or Delivery (for events only)

  Details of Your Request:(Required)

  Please include as much detail as possible: approximate location at facility (i.e. which bathroom, office number, parking lot, etc.), which vehicle (make/model), items and location for pickup/delivery, etc.

  Deadline(Required)

  Please note that Facilities Maintenance Work Order Requests require a minimum 48hrs (2 business days) turnaround allowance. Depending on scope of request, more time may be required. In case of emergency we will get back to you within the hour.

  MM slash DD slash YYYY

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